Voting Rights Act "bailout provision" could play an outsize role in Alabama Supreme Court case: The Voting Rights Act has effectively tackled discrimination at the polls by keeping a close watch on places with a history of blocking minorities on Election Day. Any changes, from moving a polling place to redrawing electoral districts, can't take effect without approval from the Justice Department or federal judges in Washington, the Huffington Post reports. But the Voting Rights Act allows governments that have reformed their ways to get permission through a "bailout provision." The viability of that provision could be a key part of arguments the court will hear on Wednesday in one of the term's most important cases: Shelby County, Ala.'s challenge to the Voting Rights Act.

The White House releases state-by-state breakdown of sequester's effects:The Washington, D.C., area would be hit hard, the Washington Post reports. Virginia, Maryland and the District cumulatively would lose $29 million in elementary and high school funding, putting at risk 390 teacher and teacher-aide jobs and affecting 27,000 students. About 2,000 poor children would lose access to early education. In the area of public health, less funding would mean 31,400 fewer HIV tests.